Awning with movable louvers



Jan. 19, 1954 6 w. c. BERTRAM 2,666,237

AWNING WITH MOVABLE LOUVERS Filed Oct. 16, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. W/L L #7! C. BEE rm;

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Jan. 19, 1954 W. BERTRAM AWNING WITH MOVABLE LOUVERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 16, 1950 INVENTOR WILL/HM C. fiEE AH 9 TT0 79 M576 Patented Jan. 19, 1954 UNITED STATES ATENT ()FFI'CE I I assazsif A I I I I AWNING WITH MOVABLE LOUVERS William 0. Bertram, St. Louis, Mo. Application October 16, 1950,,Serial No. 190,417

16 Claims. (01. 20-575) The-present invention relates generally to the awning art, and more particularly to-a novel rigid awning. which contains movable louvers at both the front and sides thereof.

In its preferred form, the awning includes a Supporting framework, on the front of which is pivotally mounted a plurality of spaced louvers. Additional louvers are pivotally mounted on each side of the framework. The pivotal axis of each of the side louvers is offset from the center of gravity so that the mass of the louvers urges rotation in one direction. Means are provided for moving the front louvers between an open and a closed position at will, and the forward ends of the side louvers bear on the front louvers so to move with them.

There are various forms of'awnings in use at the-present time, but none of them include suitable means for preventing the rain and snow from being driven in through the sides ofthe awning. It is an object of the present invention, therefore; to provide a novel awning which contains means at the sides thereof which can be actuated to either admit the light and air or to exclude the. rain and snow. More specifically, it is an object to provide a rigid awning which has movable louvers on each side and which can be either opened or closed at will. a

Another object is to provide a novel awning which has movable louvers on each side and which automatically open and close with the frontlouvers. More specifically, it is an object to provide an awning which contains side louvers,

one end of which bears on the front louvers so as to move with them when they are pivoted.

Another object is to provide a novel device for varying the position of the front louvers atwill. Other objects of the present invention are to provide a novel awning which is simple in design and rugged in'construction and which'will satisfactorily function for long periods of time without requiring repair or adjustment.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompany.-

ing drawings, wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of an awning constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the louvers being shown in the fully closed position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the awning with the louvers in the closed position;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the awning with the louvers in the closed position;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 4--4 in Fig. 1 showing the lower supporting frame and the actuating member support;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the'awning taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. l, the louvers being shown in the closed position;

Fig. 6 is a further enlarged view similar to'Fig. 5 showing a portion of the front louvers in the fully open position;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 1-1 inFig. 5;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view showing the front end portion of a side louver, the right hand end and center portions of a front louver, and the supporting structure therefor; and

' Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the portions of the side and front louvers shown in Fig. 8, as viewed from the bottom of Fig. 8.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, it) indicates generally an awning embodying the teachings of the present invention which includes a supporting framework l2 having a plurality of front louvers M and side louvers l6 pivotally mounted thereon.

The supporting framework I2 is made from structural angles and channels and includes a U-shaped bottom frame (Fig. 4) which contains rearwardly extending side angle members it and a transverse angle member 20. Extending upwardly; and rearwardly from the front ends of the side members I8 are side oblique angle membersZZ (Fig. 8) which have a vertically extending flange-like portion and an inwardly extending flange-like-portion 26.. Extending upwardly in like manner from adjacent the-centerof the transverse member 20 are two center oblique channel shaped members 28, each of which includes avertical center portion 30 (Figs. 6 and 8) andv outwardly extending leg portions 32. The channel-shaped members 28 are spacedapart for apurpose to appear. Z-shaped rear supporting members 33 (Figs. 5 and 7) extend vertically between the rear ends of the side members [8 and the upper ends of the side oblique members 22. Each of the rear supporting members 33 contains 'a central portion 34, an inwardly extending flange portion 35, and an outwardly extending fla e, portion 36. Openings 3'! are formed in the outwardly extending flange portion36 to receive screws for fastening the device to a window frame or the like.

- V -;T he upper end of each of the side oblique members 22 and the center oblique members 28 is cut and bent vertically upwardly to form bracketlike portions 38 (Fig. which contain openings to receive screws or the like for fastening the upper end of the awning to a window frame. An angle clip 39 (Fig. 5) is fastened to the underside of each of the side members I8 adjacent its rear end. These clips likewise contain openings to receive screws or the like for fastening the bottom end of the awning to the window frame.

Extending transversely across the upper end of the framework between the side oblique members 22 and the center oblique members 28 so as to connect them together, is an upper transverse angle member 40 (Fig. 5).

A sheet 42 of metal or the like (Figs. '1 and 3) extends across the upper end of the frame, work 12 between the side oblique members 22 so as to cover it, and the ends of the sheet are bent rearwardly to form covers 44 for the sides of the device. The bottom edges of the sheet 42 are bent downwardly and inwardly to form flanges 46 (Fig. 5) for a purpose to appear.

The manner of pivotally mounting the front louvers l4 and the side louvers L6 on the frame.-

work 1 2 will now be described.

As shown in Fig. 7, a series of spaced openings 48 are provided in the inwardly extending flange portions 3.5 of .the vertical angle members 33,

each of which receive one end of a straight pin 5B.

As shown in the right-hand portions of Figs. 8 and 9, spaced openings 52 are provided in the inwardly extending flange portions 26 of the side oblique angle members 22 so as to be in align.- ment with the openings 48. The openings 52 each receive one leg of a right angle pin 54.

As shown in the left-hand portions of Figs. 8 and 9, the inwardly extending flange portions 32 .of the center oblique channel members 28 are provided with spaced aligned openings 56 which receive one leg .of a right angle pin 58.

Each of the side louvers I5 is of elongated Z, shaped cross section (Fig. 9.) and includes a centralpanel portion 60, and an .outer flange portion 62 and an inner flange portion .64 normal thereto. The forwardly extending end of each of the side panels I6 is formed at an angle as at .65 (Fig. 8). Pin receiving sleeves '10 and 12 are formed adjacent the front and rear ends, respectively, of each of the louvers [6 (Figs. .8 and '7) by off-setting a portion of the metal forming the edge between the panel -60 and the outer flange portion 62. The sleeves 12 receive the inner ends of the straight pins 50, and the sleeves 70 receive the other legs of theright angle pins 54 so as to pivotallysupport the side louvers "5 between the vertical rear members 33 and the side oblique members 22.

The front panels I4 are of similar elongated Z-shaped cross section, and each includes a central panel portion 14, a front flange portion 16 and a rear flange portion I8. The outer end of each of the central panel portions is cut on an angle as at 80 (Fig. 8), and the rear flange portion 18 adjacent the end 89 is also cut on an angle to provide a sloping edge 82 (Fig. 9). The inner ends of the front louvers I4 are straight. Pin receiving sleeves 84 and 88 are formed adjacent the outer and inner ends, respectively, of the front louvers l4 in the same manner as previously described. The sleeves 84 receive the other legs of the right angle pins 54, and the sleeves 86 receive the other legs of the right angle pins 58 so as to pivotally support the front louvers l4 between the side oblique angle members 22 and the center oblique channel members 28.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, structural angle members 81, which include a front flange portion 88, are disposed adjacent the side oblique angle members 22 and removably fastened to the flange portions 24 thereof, as with machine screws. The members 81 extend from the transverse member 20 upwardly to adjacent the bottom edge of the cover plate 42. The members 81 prevent the snow and ice from entering the awning and foulin the supporting pins 54. Furthermore, the front flange portions 88 are adjacent the front flange portions 16 of the front louvers l4 so as s to prevent their withdrawal.

Disposed in the space between the central oblique panel members 28 are two angle members89 (Fig. 8) which are fastened together and to the central portions 30 of the members 28 with machine screws or the like. The angle members as i c ude ront flan e port ons .0 whi h cov the suppo t n p ns 53. o Pre ent them from I seemi fou e Wit. ic Q1 and to Prevent the withdrawal of the front louvers l4 If t bec mes ne essary to remove .hs ront or s e louvers for r a o replac ni ht, th s can be e ily a d qu ckly ac mplished by merely rem v n th end cove ng m mbers and the c nt al ve n member 8.5. and s i pin out the ticu a front lo e o ouvers. l wit th ir pp rtin pi s 4. 5. .A 'tsr the. ront 1011- vsr 4 and i s p ns .54. .8:) have been removed. the a c t s ouvers -16. a e as l slip ed ou w t h i e r suppor in pins .58-

It is to be under tood at t e cente obl que members 28 and. their covers 33 are only neces: sa y hen the front louvers M are exceedin ly on as i t case wi h s o e W ndows or th ike Wher the ouve s m e t poss bly sa due tov their we htlh ord nary -.i:i-. ta 1ati h such as for an average house, the center oblique channel memb rs .28 and the r c ver m mbers 18.9 wou b dis e sed with, and he front louvers l5 sune ported direct y between he side bliqu angle mem e s 2 s shown th r shteh nd port on of Fi .9. he f om in er end of eac o the side louvers 6 b ars on the ed e 8 Of he front louver 14 adjacent thereto so that when the latter is pive oted upwardly about its front edge so as to raise the rear flange portion, the inner portion of the side louver [5 will also be raised so as to cause it to pivot upwardly in like manner. The meche anism for causing this pivotal movement on the front louver M will now be described.

As shown in Figs. .4 and .5, a pair of spaced sup: porting angle members 91 extend transversely between the side members l8. Mounted on the supporting members 9| adjacent the center of each set of front louvers l4 is an upwardly ex: tending bracket 92. A bell crank lever 94 is vo ll mounted on e h f the b ackets .92 and Contains 1 .1 .9 l g p rtion 95 hav n a bifurcated free end, and a lower leg per. 98, th a er onta n n an a e re 10110 adja e s er end.- .A M-s shsd ope atin member 192 r a ua n the be ams. leve s 4 is m nted or ward and re r ard recip ocatin mo e ment j nt the bot om o he. a n n ll- It includes a transverse portion 104 which extends through the openings I09 in the bell crank levers 94 and a rearwardly extending "handle portion J05v adjacent one side of the awning. In a typical installation, the handle portion I06 extends through the window frame into the interior of the house so that the louvers can be actuated from within the housing. Thus, when the handle portion I06 .is reciprocated, the bell crank lever will be pivoted so as to cause thefree end of the upper leg portion 96 to move up and down. 3

, Disposed immediately in back of each set of front louvers I4 adjacent the center thereof is a stair-step like actuator I08 (Fig. 5) which extendsupwardly and rearwardly and which contains a series of spaced flat edges. I I on which the front louvers I4bear. Extending rearwardly from the upper transverse member 40 are elongated sleeve-like brackets .I I2 which slidably receive the upper endsof the actuators J08 so as to guide them in their travel. A spring H4 is connected between the upper end of each actuator I03 and the underside of the front cover 42 to offset the weight of. the actuator member so that it,requires a minimum of. force to raise it.

Extending from one side of each of the actuator members I08 are two spaced studs II6 (Fig. 5), one of which is disposed on each side of the .upper leg 96 of the bell crank lever 84. Thus, the actuator member I08 is connected with the upper leg portion 96 of the bell crank lever 04 so as to move with the latter when it is pivoted.

Flange-like members i I8 having scalloped bottom edges are fastened to the transverse and side members 20 and [8, respectively, of the bottom supporting frame so as to extend downwardly below the awning I0. Manifestly, these are not necessary to the operation of the device and merely enhance its appearance.

Operation In a typical installation, the awning i0 is fastened to the outside of a window frame, and the operating handle I06 extends into the interior of the house. Retaining means of conventional design is employed adjacent the inner end of the handle member I06 within the house to maintain it in any selected position.

When the handle member I06 is moved forwardly or outwardly to the end of its travel in that direction, the actuating rod I04 is pivoted to its extreme counter-clockwise position as shown in. Fig. 4, so as to cause the bell crank lever 04to be pivoted inrthe clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5. This causes the upper leg portion 96 and the actuating member I08 to move to its lowermost position, thereby extending the spring II4. In this position, the front louvers I4 are disposed horizontally as shown in the solid lines in Fig. 6.. The side louvers I6 which bear on the front louvers I4 are also disposed substantially horizontal as shown in the upper part of Fig. 9. Thus, when the handle member III; is moved forwardly or outwardly the front and side louvers are fully open.

:aWhen the handle member I06 is moved rearwardly the actuating rod I04 is pivoted in the clockwise direction so as to cause the bell crank 'lever 94- to' pivot in the counter-clockwise direction. This raises the free end of theupper leg portion 96-which causes the actuating member I00 to 'move upwardly, guided by the bracket! I2.

The actuating member I08 is assisted in its upward movement by the pull of the spring II4so that very little pressure need be applied to the handle member I06. As the actuating member I08 .moves upwardly, the flat edges H0 thereof press against the underside of the front louvers I4 so as to cause them to pivot upwardly about thepins 54 and 58. As the rear flange portions .18 of the front louvers I4 move upwardly, they cause the side louvers I6 to also pivot upwardly about the pins 50 and 52- due to the fact that the side louvers I6 bear on the sloping edges 82 of the front louvers I4.

This movement will continue until the front louvers I4 reach the closed position shown in full lines in Fig. 5. In the fully closed position, the depending front flange portions of the louvers extend downwardly over the upwardly. extending flange portions of the louvers below them, thereby preventing rain and the like from passing through the awning I0. The flange portions 46 of the cover plates 42 and 44 extend downwardly over the upwardly extendingrear flange portions of the top louvers. I

The front louvers I4 are slightly wider than the side louvers I6 because of the difference in length between the slopingfront portion of the awning and the vertical side portions.

Thus, it is apparent that there has beenprovided a novel awning which fulfills all of the ob: jects and advantages sought therefor. Pivotally mounted louvers are contained at both the sidesv and the front of the awning so that the entire awning can be closed to exclude rain and snow, or opened to admit air and sunlight. Also, both the front and side louvers can be opened any desired amount intermediate between the fully opened and fully closed positions. Because the side louvers i6 bear on the front louvers I4 so as to move, with them, it is only necessary to provide means for actuating the front louvers. The actuating means shown and described is very simple in construction and operation and requires very little force to move the louvers from the open to the closed position because of the action of the spring 4 counter-balancing the weight of the actuator member I08. I

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration and example, and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure, which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

' What is claimed is:

An awning, comprising a supporting framework having a rigid front portion and at least one rigid side portion; a first set of louvers pivotally mounted on the front portion on stationary pivots in spaced relationship; a second set of louvers pivotally mounted on the side portion on Sta-- tionary pivots in spaced relationship; means for pivoting one set of louvers; and means interconnecting the other set of louvers with the one set so as to automatically move with them.

2. An awning, comprising a supporting framework having a rigid front portion and at least one rigid side portion; a first set of louvers pivot' ally mounted on the first portion on stationary pivots in spaced relationship; a second set of louvers'pivotally mounted on. the side portion on, stationary pivots in spaced relationship and. means for actuating one set of louvers; thelouvers of the other set havinga portion thereof continuously bearing on the louvers in saidone set soas to automatically move with them.

' 3. An awning, comprising a supporting frame-.

work having a front portion and at least one side? pivotal movement; a second set of louvers .hori-- zontally mounted on the side portion in spaced ano es? 7 relationship for pivotal movement, the'pivotal axis \of'thelouvers in the second set tbeing offset from their center of gravity; and means ior pivoting the front. louvers between an open position and a closed position, one end of the louvers in thesecond set bearing on the leavers in the first set whereby the dormer :are carried by the latter when they are pivoted from the .open torthenlosed position. 7

4. awning, comprising a supporting frameworkhaving a front pair of spaced supporting members which extend downwardly and forwardly, and a rearpair or spaced members which extend downward iy from adjacent. upper ends of the iront members; a plurality of spaced pins extending forwardly from the rear supporting members; and a. plurality of spaced pins mounted on the front members containing portions which extend inwardly and rearwardly in alignment with the other pins; a first set of louvers pill-0132,1151 mounted on the pins between the front members, and a second and third set of l'ouvers pivotally mounted on pins between the front and real supportingmembers, the pivotal axis of the louvers the second: and third sets. being onset from their --ce-n tcrs of gravity; the front end of each of the lou-vers in the second and third sets bearing on a louver in the first-set so as to move with it when it ispivoted.

An awning, comprising a. supporting framework having a rigid: front portion and at least one rig-id side portion; a first :set of louvers horizon tally mounted on the front portion in spaced re lat-ionship for pivotal movement; a second set of louvers horizontally mounted on the side portion in spaced relationship. for pivotal movement;- means for moving one set of louvers between open and a closed position; and means interconnecting the other set of louvers with the one set so as to automatically move with- .them; each of the louvers having a panel like central portion and flange portions at the longitudinal: edges oi the central portion, the outer flange portion ex ter-id-ing downwardly and the innerflange portion extending upwardly so that thedownwardly extending flange portionofone-louver extend-sever the upwardly extending flange portion of. the louver below it when the louvers are in the closed position.

An awning, comprising a supporting frame- U work having a pair of spaced. membersv which extend downwardly and: forwardly; a, plurality of louvers horizontally mounted: between said: spaced members in. spaced relationship for pivotal movement; and means. for moving, said. louver-s between. an open and; a closed position. including, an upwar ly ext nding actuatin member disposed in back of the-leavers and whichcom nsia, series of stair-step like edges inccontact wit be louvcrs.

7; An awning, comprising av supporting framework having a pair of spacedmembers: which extend downwardly and forwardly; a plurality of. louvers horizontally mounted-1 between said spaced members in spaced relationship: for pivotal move ment; means for moving: said; louvers: ween. an, open and a closed posit on includin an upwardly extending ac ua n member disposed in back the louvers, and which contains. a. s ries of; stairstep like edges; in contact. with: the leuvers, and means, for raising and. lowering said actuatin member; at will;

8. An awning, comprising asupporting frame. work havinga pair. of spaced; membeis which. extend: downwardly and. forwardly; a, pluralityci: lou ers horizontally mounted between; said:

spaced members in spaced relationship for pivotal movement; means for moving said louvers between .an open and a closed position including an upwardly extending actuating member disposed in back of the louvers anclwhich contains a series of stair-step like edges in contact with the louvers, lalspring fastened to the upper endlof the actuating member so as to urge it upwardly, and means. for raising and lowering said actuating member at will.

9. An awning, comprising a supporting framework havin-g a pair of spaced members which extend downwardly and forwardly; a plurality of louvers. pivotally mounted between said spaced members in spaced relationship; means for moving said louvers between an .open and a closed position including an actuating member disposed in back of the louvers and which contains a series ofstair -step like edges in contact with. the louvers, a spring fastened to the upper end of the actuating member so as to u ge it upwardly. and means for raising and lowering said actuating member at will including a bell crank lever.

10. An awning, comprising a supporting framework having a front pair of spaced sup-- porting members which extend downwardly and forwardly, and a rear pair of spaced members 'which extend downwardly from adjacent the upper ends of the frontmembers; a plurality of spaced pins extending forwardly from the rear supporting members; and a plurality of spaced pins mounted on the. front members. containing. portions which extend inwardly and rearwardly' in alignment with the other pins; a first set of louvers pivotally mounted on the pins between the front members, and a second and third set of louvers pivotally mounted on the pins; between the front and rear supporting, members;- and means for actuating, the first set of louvers; the second and third sets of louvers being continuously in engagement with the first set so as to automatically move with them.

11. An awning comprising a rigid supporting framework having a. front pair of spaced supi porting members, which extend downwardly and forwardly, and a: rear pair of spaced memberswhich extend downwardly from adjacent the upper ends of the front members; a plurality of spaced pins carried by each of the rear supporting members and extending forwardly therefrom; a plurality of spaced pins carried by each of the front supporting membersi'said last-named pins being V-shaped and having first portionswhich extend rearwardly in alignment with the 7 pins carried by the rear supporting members and secondportionsv which extend; inwardly so as to be in. alignment with the; pins carried by the opposed front supporting member; a first set; of louvers. pivotally mounted on the inwardly ex:- tending second portions of the pins carried by the front; members; and: a. second. and. third set. of louycrs pivotally mounted onthefirst portions; of the pins carried by the front supporting mem-v bers, and, the pins carried by the rear support.- ing members; 7'

12. An awning; comprising a rigid supporting. framework. having, a front pair of spaced supporting members which extend downwardly and forwardly, and a. rear pair of spaced. members which extend downwar ly from adjacent the upperendsof. the front members;v a. plurality of spaced pins carried by each of the rear support:- ing members and. extending forwardly therefrom; a plurality of spaced: pins. carried by each of the front supporting: members, saidvlastmamedi pins being V-shaped and having first portions which extend rearwardly in alignment with the pins carried by the rear supporting members and second portions which extend inwardly so as to be in alignment with the pins carried by the opposed frontsupporting member; a first set of louvers pivotally mounted on the inwardly extending second portions of the pins carried by the front members; a second and third set of louvers having front ends pivotally mounted on the first portions of the pins carried by the front supportingmembers and the pins carried by the rear supporting members; and means for actuating the first set of louvers; the second and third sets of louvers having their front ends continuously in engagement with the first set so as to automatically move with them.

13. An awning comprising a supporting framework having a front portion and at least one side portion; a first set of louvers horizontally mounted on the front portion in spaced relationship for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; a second set of louvers horizontally mounted on the side portion in spaced relationship for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; and means for pivoting one set of louvers between the open position and the closed position, the other set of louvers bearing on said one set whereby the former are carriedby the latter.

a 14. An awning, comprising a supporting framework having a front portion and at least one side portion; a first set of louvers horizontally mounted on the front portion in spaced relationship for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; a second set of louvers horizontally mounted on the side portion in spaced relationship for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; means for pivoting one set of louvers between the open position and the closed position; and means interconnecting the other set of louvers with said one setwhereby the latter move with the former.

15. An awning, comprising a supporting least one rigid side portion; a first set of louvers pivotally mounted on the front portion on stationary pivots in spaced relationship; a second set of louvers pivotally mounted on the side portion on stationary pivots in spaced relationship; means for actuating one set of louvers between an open position and a closed position; and means actuating the other set of louvers responsive to the movement of said one set.

16. An awning, framework having a front portion and at least one side portion; a first set of louvers horizontally mounted on the front portion in spaced relationship for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; a second set of louvers horizontally mounted on the side portion in spaced relationship for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; means for actuating one set of louvers; and means actuating the other set of louvers responsive to the movement of said one set of louvers.

WILLIAM C. BERTRAM.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 147,090 Baxter Feb. 3, 1874 2,225,011 Jones Dec. 17, 1940 2,378,139 Graham June 12, 1945 2,465,724 Hembree Mar. 29, 1949 2,558,362 Keene June 26, 1951 comprising a supporting 

